Photo: Thomas Aquinas College. Retrieved from: www.thomasaquinas.edu
Thomas Aquinas College is a relatively new impact on the academic world. However, this does not take away from the deep-rooted community that the College has established since opening enrollment. Many students take advantage of the professional programs offered at the College, in addition to the traditional liberal arts courses. The Business Administration and Management program offered has attracted students from across the country, giving them ample opportunities to advance their social skills and professional preparation. At Thomas Aquinas, students can achieve the true meaning of higher learning by participating in challenging coursework, engaging Socratic discussions and become involved in the various clubs and organizations.
The beautiful campus, located in Santa Paula keeps students engulfed in the sunshine and eager to achieve their goals. The high spirits of the student body and faculty offer a warm and inviting welcome to all incoming students. The curriculum offered on campus provides a healthy range of over 60 majors and 50 minors. With a strong focus on helping students develop into well-rounded leaders within their communities, the College also remains true to the catholic affiliation, helping students to spread the word and civility of Christ.
School History
Founded by a group of scholars in 1971, Thomas Aquinas College was established to introduce students to the Divine Providence. The first class consisted of only 33 students that were taught in classrooms leased at a local seminary school. The founders believed that the Catholic colleges in the surrounding area were becoming estranged from the Church. The early curriculum was developed to focus on a strict liberal arts and science focus, enabling students to engage in rich literary works of Western civilization.
Thomas Aquinas College is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
In just the first four years of operation, Thomas Aquinas developed the school next to the famous Los Padres National Forest, giving students a variation of terrain for both academic and personal appreciation. By 1969, in response the decree on the apostolate of the laity, from the Second Vatican Council, Thomas Aquinas College founders produced and published their famous “A Proposal for the Fulfillment of Catholic Liberal Education. It was this publication that outlined the mission, intention and government of the College, focusing on their loyalty to Christ.
Campus Life
In tradition of the founders, campus life at Thomas Aquinas College is filled with generations of Catholic traditions, missions and academic excellence. This community of students and faculty are bonded by their dedication to education and their strong faith. Students are encouraged to participate in community service opportunities available to showcase their civility, leadership qualities and social advancement. Chapel life is high priority on campus, most students take advantage of the various faith and works programs, as well as individual prayer requests. Each student takes an Oath of Fidelity, bonding them together to the service of Christ.
All students are entitled to the dining service offered at St. Joseph Commons, which are served three times each day and are included in tuition. Although main course meals are served on schedule, students can appreciate stopping in for a snack as they please. To ensure that the student body maintains the ideal schedule, students are limited to taking only three classes per day. The smaller class sizes at Thomas Aquinas College offer students close relationships with their professors and peers, keeping them engaged and focused.
Most students reside on campus throughout the school year in one of the residence halls. All housing facilities are single-sex occupancy and offer students a safe and secure environment. Chaplains live on campus to accommodate and support students in their individual journeys through the college experience. Thomas Aquinas College students are required to adhere to the dress code on campus during classes, Mass and meals. All men are required to wear a collared shirt and slacks, while the women can wear their choice of a semi-formal top and skirt or dresses.
Financial Aid
Thomas Aquinas College provides quality assistance and support to students and their financial aid funding needs. To eliminate the financial stress on students, the College offers . Highly known for the Early Action programs, the University offers students a variety of different scholarships and grant options to help cover the costs of tuition and related expenses. Due to support and donations, the College offers need based funding to students that showcase academic achievement. This enables students who would not be able to afford college the advantage to pursue their degree.
The Office of Financial Aid is available to assist students in exploring, applying for and securing funding options that best suit their individual needs. There are over 3,000 funding options available to students from various third-party resources. State and federal financial aid options are available and accepted by the College. In addition to traditional funding opportunities, students also have the advantage to participate in the work study program available on campus as well.
